Why visit the Netherlands Antilles
The 50 Caribbean islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles islands are located in two separate areas of the Caribbean. Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are situated in the far east, and Saba Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius near Puerto Rico. Whichever islands you choose to visit, you’re in for a unique experience. These little slices of paradise are Dutch-owned and have their own distinct personality, history, tradition and culture.
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is a busy cruise port. Bonaire, 30 minutes away by boat, is a paradise for divers and Curacao is picture-perfect, home to an extinct volcano and numerous exquisite white sand beaches on its south and west coastlines. On Curacao, diving and sailing off the coast are very popular, as is bodyboarding. Worth exploring is the historic section of its capital, Willemstad, which is typically Dutch and brightly painted. An added drawcard to these Dutch-owned islands is the duty-free shopping. You can even cross over the border into St Maarten in the Lesser Antilles to spend time in the market town of Marigot.
Why visit the Netherlands Antilles
- These islands are a slice of Dutch life in the middle of the Caribbean.
- Explore the Hato Caves, with their 1,500-year-old drawings.
- Laze on glorious golden beaches.
- Curacao is home to the medieval complex of Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635, as well as numerous other fascinating museums.
- Bonaire boasts diverse flora and fauna, including 200 species of birds.
- The coral reefs around Bonaire feature 500 fish species plus rare sea turtles.
- The uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire boasts unique wildlife.
Uniquely Dutch and Caribbean at the same time, the Netherlands Antilles offers an entirely different holiday experience to other Caribbean isles. A holiday here is all about embracing the islands’ particular traditions, culture and cuisines while enjoying a tropical Caribbean island with all that it has to offer.
Things to do in the Netherlands Antilles
The Netherlands Antilles offers so many different holiday experiences, depending on which islands you visit and what type of holiday you’re looking for. Of course, wherever you are in the Caribbean, you’re guaranteed excellent weather and a wide selection of water activities, and these islands are no different.
Enjoy a wide selection of water sports. Swimming and snorkelling are the most popular water activities, but hiking to explore the magnificent scenery is another favourite among visitors.
Things to do in the Netherlands Antilles
- Explore the Washington-Slagbaai National Park in Bonaire to see iguanas, sea turtles and varied tropical birds.
- Go off-road on an adventure along the Andicuri Trail and discover Aruba’s secret beaches.
- See rare long-nosed bats in the Curacao Hato Caves.
- Take the Sky Explorer chairlifts in St Maartens to enjoy panoramic views of the island.
- Explore Bonaire’s mangroves and view pink flamingoes.
- Discover Curacao’s mangroves and little islands on a boat safari.
- Cruise in an underwater observatory on Aruba to see the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck, the Antilla.
Let Thompsons Holidays create a personalised holiday package for you to the Netherlands Antilles, whether you’re travelling on a family holiday, with friends, or wish to enjoy a romantic getaway.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?
- The best time to visit the Netherlands Antilles is between February and April.
- The weather is excellent year-round, with an average temperature of 27°C.
- The rainy season is between October and December.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Curacao on the Netherlands Antilles: 22 hours, 10 minutes.
- There are no regular flights from South Africa to the Netherlands Antilles.
- South African passport holders require a visa to enter the Netherlands Antilles.
- If you are flying via the USA, you will require a visa to enter the USA.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from the Netherlands Antilles.
- The Netherlands Antilles is 6 hours behind South Africa.
- Daylight saving is not used in the Netherlands Antilles.
- The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Gilder on the Dutch side, and the Euro on the French side.
- US dollars ($) are also widely accepted in the Netherlands Antilles.
- Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent.
- Tipping is an accepted custom in the Netherlands Antilles.
- The official languages are English, Dutch and Papiamentu, the local Creole dialect.
- Christianity is the predominant religion.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
- It is safe to drink tap water in hotels. Bottled water is often preferred – and readily available.
- Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor workplaces as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
- Vaccinations - check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?
- Lightweight clothing in summer, layers for the cooler months, when it is still warm.
- Comfortable walking shoes, slip slops.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting around
- The Netherlands Antilles has an excellent bus system.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
Safety tips
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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